Top 10 hidden Gems in Peloponnese
The Peloponnese (/ˈpɛləpəˌniːz/) or Peloponnesus (/ˌpɛləpəˈniːsəs/; Greek: Πελοπόννησος, Pelopónnēsos) is a peninsula and geographic region in southern Greece. It is separated from the central part of the country by the Isthmus and Gulf of Corinth. During the late Middle Ages and the Ottoman era, the peninsula was known as the Morea (Greek: Μωρέας), a name still in colloquial use in its demotic form (Μωριάς).
1. The Great Theatre of Epidaurus (View)
Reviewed By Jellybellydancer – Burscough, United Kingdom
The Peloponnese is not short of magnificent ancient sites and the Theatre of Epidavros is up there with the best of them. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the best preserved ancient structures in existence and is a ‘must-do’ if you are in this part of the world. The scale of the amphitheatre, which seat up to 14,000 people, is awe-inspiring and it’s perfectly true that you can hear a coin drop on the stage from the highest seat. We were treated to an impromptu performance by another visitor, obviously keen to test out this claim about the acoustics, and the applause from the back of the theatre resonated as clearly as that from the front. It is definitely worth climbing up to the top if you can, the steps are a little uneven in places but perfectly manageable. The views from the top are amazing.
2. Ancient Messini (View)
Reviewed By mikeo229 – Baldock, United Kingdom
Ancient Messini is a little off the beaten track (but quiet as a result) but well worth the visit. Not only does it have two well preserved theatres (a large Amphitheater and small Roman theatre), a large Agora with surrounding buildings, several temples and a host of smaller buildings, a Roman House with good mosaics but also one of the best preserved Stadiums you could ever wish to see. Many columns are still standing, especially around the stadium and the overall setting, surrounded by mountains is simply magnificent. Away from the main site (about 1k past the Museum heading out of town) is a well preserved gate and stretch of wall and, if you turn left just before reaching the gate there is another very well preserved stretch of wall. You need at least 2 hours to visit the main site and allow perhaps 30 minutes to visit the small Museum (included in the 12 Euro entrance fee) and another hour if you want to see the wall and gate. Back in town there is a good Taverna overlooking the site.
3. Moni Agiou Ioanni Prodromou
The pan-Hellenic monastery of Prodromos or Holy Monastery of Timios Prodromos is located between the villages of Stemnitsa and Dimitsana in Arcadia. It awes the visitor-pilgrim, as it is built at the root of a cliff in the ravine of Lucius, where the monastery of the Philosopher is located. Prodromou Monastery, which was founded in the 12th century, is one of the most beautiful monasteries in the Peloponnese. From the balcony of the monastery, guests can admire the magnificent view of the wild beauty of the gorge of Lucius.
4. Lake Doxa (View)
Reviewed By dorut2018 – Brasov, Romania
Enjoy the silence and calmness of the view. There is a small church near the lake and only a few hundred meters away, you will find a beautiful old monastery, the monastery of St. George.
5. Domaine Skouras Winery (View)
Reviewed By chr1stinad – Athens, Greece
As we had already tasted Domain Skouras wines, we had the curiosity to explore its roots. We booked online a wine tour that definitely exceeded any expectation nor can be compared with any previous wine tasting experience. Winery facilities are impressive, with major highlights the bottling line with a capacity of 3000 bottles per hour and the amazing one-thousand-barrel cellar! All wines are of top quality, proved by multiple awards and international recognition. Great hospitality by our tour guide, she offered us a lot of interesting facts and useful information for the place and the wines. We couldn’t leave without buying some bottles for our home. We loved it and will visit it again! Highly recommended!
6. Simos Beach
Reviewed By Katerina3 – Athens, Greece
Huge beach, white soft sand, clear shallow waters ideal for the kids, great sunbeds and service from the cafe restaurant in the camping, beautiful surroundings , you may spend the whole day there!
7. Troupis Winery (View)
Reviewed By JarkkoH081
We decided to visit this small winery ex tempore with my spouse, as we were at Tripoli anyway visiting our local friends and had some room in our luggage left. As we went to to the winery, owner walk outside to greet us and gave us a small tour of their facility. After tour owner told about the winery, its products and let us taste their products which were excellent and something different compared to many other wines. We bought about 8 bottles to take with us back to Finland and just trying figure out how to get some more here, as those aren’t available in our local liquor stores.
8. Monemvasia Fortress (View)
Reviewed By 335elinorb – London, United Kingdom
Great walk to the very top. Why stay there and not go to the top. Fabulous short visit. Great views from the main square.
9. Ktima Bairaktaris (View)
Reviewed By ItchyFeet319 – Appleton, United Kingdom
Visited as part of a tour to Nemea with Olive Sea Travel. The tasting was excellent and so informative and we really enjoyed sampling this lovely, modern style of Greek wine – in situ. We toured the facility and then enjoyed an excellent platter of food whilst sampling the wines – perfect.
10. Victoria G. Karelias Collection of Greek Traditional Costumes (View)
Reviewed By zoit589 – Kifissia, Greece
Unique, astounding presentatinon of well preserved traditional costumes as well as jewels and everyday items, placed in a magical set – scenery – discreetly accompanied by music performances from all around Greece. Polite and willing personnel.
